Disciplinary action looms for players, officials and journalists, organisers warn
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened an investigation and warned of possible disciplinary action for “unacceptable behaviour of players and officials” as they clashed on the pitch on Saturday at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal between Algeria and Nigeria.
“CAF has referred the matters to the disciplinary board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing,” said African football’s governing body in a statement on Monday.
Tensions flared on the pitch at the final whistle of the January 10 match in Marrakesh, Morocco, which Nigeria won 2–0 through second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Referee Issa Sy was shielded from angry Algerian team officials and escorted off the field. Video footage later showed Sy being pursued into the mixed zone reserved for media and broadcasters as he headed toward his cabin.
Any disciplinary measures could affect the Super Eagles as they prepare for Wednesday’s semifinal clash against Morocco.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, particularly actions directed at match officials or organisers,” the Confederation of African Football said in a statement.
Separate footage also showed scuffles involving accredited media personnel in the mixed zone as they awaited players for post-match interviews.
Algeria’s federation also confirmed it had filed a complaint with CAF over Sy’s performance.
“The Algerian Football Federation said it could not overlook the refereeing performance in the match, describing it as raising serious concerns and creating significant confusion.
It added that certain decisions had undermined the credibility of African refereeing and failed to enhance the standing of continental football on the global stage.”
CAF said it was also investigating incidents in Friday’s last-eight tie between the hosts and Cameroon.
Morocco won that game 2-0 in Rabat, Morocco, and the Indomitable Lions were notably unhappy at the officiating, in particular the refusal to award them a penalty for a challenge on Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo in the second half.